I'm going to load some rounds for a friend in 30-378 Weahterby Mag. We'll be using 200 grain bullets. Any powder reccomendations? I'm thinking of Retumbo or H50BMG.

I had excellant results with Retumbo but I use lighter weight (168 grain TSXs) bullets...not sure what bullets you will be using but the Barnes TSX seem to perform very well with the Weatherby freebore.

Good luck

i believe i'd use the blackish gray stuff

I've been trying both powders lately. I think so far that 50bmg is a little more consistant. Be careful with load data for either powder...DO NOT start at max....start at least in the middle. What I'm finding is that if I go to the range and test say 30 rounds (letting it cool as needed) that my barrel becomes pretty fouled and all of a sudden my velocity goes up and pressure gets critical. The 30-378 is definately not a cartridge for "beginners 101" reloading...be very careful as the big heavy case seems able to hide pressure until is pretty major.

kraky,

Sounds like pressure spikes to me from powder fouling.

Try brushing the barrel out every 10-15 shots, with a bronze brush and Hoppes, followed by a couple of patches. No more spiking, I would hope.

Regards,

Blair.

I usually boresnake it about every 10 shots. Evidently this time it didn't help. The gun was still shooting good. Even though I was under max book loads I think I was teatering on the "max" for the gun. All that powder being burned in the barrel seems to add another "element" to the equation!!

Retumbo for the heavy loads. If ya want to go a little slower try 180s and RL-22.

Here's another good place for data/info. Scroll down about 1/2 page and look at loads that are in blue. AGAIN...do not start at the max loads.

http://www.inextinc.com/hunting/index.html

Hodgdon US 869

WC 872

quote:

Originally posted by kraky:
I usually boresnake it about every 10 shots. Evidently this time it didn't help. The gun was still shooting good. Even though I was under max book loads I think I was teatering on the "max" for the gun. All that powder being burned in the barrel seems to add another "element" to the equation!!

They certainly do have another "element"

quote:

Originally posted by Doc:
Hodgdon US 869

WC 872

Doc,

Where is US 869 on the burning rate scale?

Regards,

Blair.

I use H1000 in my 300 RUM and don't have those problems.

quote:

Originally posted by Blair D Calvin:

quote:

Originally posted by Doc:
Hodgdon US 869

WC 872

Doc,

Where is US 869 on the burning rate scale?

Regards,

Blair.

From Hodgdon website:

US 869® Shawnee Mission Kansas, Hodgdon Powder Company leads the way again by developing an outstanding 50 BMG propellant that offers significant advantages in many magnum rifle applications! US869 is a true magnum Spherical rifle powder that is superb with heavy bullets in big, overbore rifle cartridges. US869 is a dense propellant that allows the shooter to use enough powder to create maximum velocities in cartridges such as the 7mm Remington Ultra Magnum, 300 Remington Ultra Magnum, 30-378 Weatherby Magnum and others. US869 is superior in the 50 Caliber BMG where it yields high velocity and great accuracy with 750 to 800 grain projectiles. This is a fine 1000-yard match propellant! In addition, US869 is effected minimally by varying temperatures, a key feature for top competition and hunting accuracy.


This powder is the SLOWEST according to Hodgdon. Slower than 870, 50 BMG. They are not certain where it compares to AR2218 (ADI) or 20N29 Vihtavuori...but is is the THE SLOW END for Hodgdon.

Doc,

Thanks for that. Should of checked their website myself

Regards,

Blair.

quote:

Originally posted by jro45:
I use H1000 in my 300 RUM and don't have those problems.

Its made here in Aussie as ADI 2217. Gives great accuracy in a 7mm Magnum and a 300RUM I have.

30 grains of Blue Dot or SR 4759 and a 180 grain Rem Corelokt....